Coins, often overlooked in sustainability debates, pose unique challenges. They are heavy, metal-intensive, and energy-hungry to produce. Yet they last far longer than notes—decades, sometimes centuries—and circulate widely. Making coins more sustainable requires balancing longevity with resource intensity.
The metals most often used—copper, nickel, zinc, and steel—are extracted through mining, one of the most environmentally disruptive industries. Smelting and refining these metals demand high temperatures and fossil fuel energy. Recycling helps: many mints now melt down withdrawn or surplus coins to reuse the metal. The European Central Bank reports recycling rates of over 90% for withdrawn euro coins. Still, mining remains necessary to meet demand, especially for small denominations.
Efforts to reduce impact focus on material substitution. Plated steel has become a common alternative to pure nickel or copper alloys, cutting costs and reducing reliance on scarcer metals. Some countries have eliminated lower-denomination coins altogether, reducing production volumes. Canada, for example, phased out its penny in 2012, citing both cost and inefficiency.
Transportation adds to the footprint. Coins are heavy to ship, both from mint to banks and within the retail economy. Optimising logistics—such as centralising distribution hubs or using rail over road—can shave emissions. Digital cash ordering systems also help banks and retailers reduce unnecessary shipments by forecasting demand more accurately.
End-of-life recycling remains strong, but public engagement is key. Many coins sit idle in jars and drawers, never returning to circulation. Campaigns to encourage coin recirculation—like charity collections or “coin amnesties”—extend useful life and reduce the need for fresh minting.
From a policy perspective, coins raise broader questions: should societies continue producing denominations that cost more to mint than they are worth? Should metals be prioritised for industrial use rather than currency? These debates, though economic in tone, have sustainability implications.
For the ICA, coin sustainability means fostering dialogue between mints, governments, and environmental experts. It means highlighting best practices in material substitution, recycling, and distribution. Above all, it means recognising that coins are not relics—they are enduring symbols of trust. Ensuring they are produced and managed responsibly is as important as the greening of banknotes.
